The largest ever movement of lions across an international boundary commenced on August 5. It will run until August 12, with 24 lions being reintroduced to a 2.5-million-acre habitat in the Zambezi Delta in central Mozambique.
Credits: www.24lions.org.
The transfer, a project undertaken by the Cabela Family Foundation, in partnership with Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance, Marromeu Safaris and Zambeze Delta Safaris, forms part of the project’s aim to repopulate 2.5 million acres of habitat where the species have been endangered.
Credits: www.24lions.org.
It is estimated that the project will increase the number of lions to as many as 500 within 15 years, and may even represent 10% of the world’s wild lion population within 20 years.
Credits: www.24lions.org.
The lions were captured in Tembe Elephant Park and Makalali Game Reserve in South Africa, and transported to the hunting area ‘Coutada 11’ in the Zambezi Delta, where they are currently in quarantine, reports Club of Mozambique.
Credits: www.24lions.org.
During this period, the lions form social groups, and from there will be released within these prides to increase their chances of reintegrating into their new natural environment.
Credits: www.24lions.org.
The project has the full support of Mozambique’s National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC).
